Prayers for prayer and spiritual life
I don't know how to pray
For a faith that wants to go deeper but feels stuck.
Also for how to pray · teach me to pray · don't know what to say · new to prayer · prayer help · can't find words · awkward praying · first time praying · what do i say to god · learning to pray
In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered.
When he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”
Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’
But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. In praying, don’t use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him.
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us.
A prayer
Original writing, not a quotation of Scripture.
Lord, I'm not sure I'm doing this right. Other people pray with long, beautiful sentences and I don't know where to start. Your disciples asked you to teach them, so I'm asking too.
Thank you that you want my honest words more than impressive ones, and that your Spirit prays for me when I run out. Here I am. Teach me to talk with you the way a child talks to a father who is glad to listen.
In Jesus' name, Amen.